Madera Police Department to put on annual event for public

Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune Madera Police Officer Clay Hoover puts gear on Roy Moreno, 3, during last year’s National Night Out at the Madera District Fairgrounds. This year’s event is set for 5 p.m. Thursday.

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The Madera Police Department will play host Thursday evening at this year’s version of National Night Out Connect, starting at 5 p.m., at the Madera District Fairgrounds, 1850 W. Cleveland Ave.

“We are partnering with several different Law Enforcement Agencies,” said police Lt. Josiah Arnold. “There will be a ton of fun events for kids and adults.”

He said the sponsoring organization is Anthem Blue Cross. About 2,000 people attended the event last year, he said.

“This year we’re also adding a fire truck pull competition,” Arnold said.

“There will be a massive amount of police and fire equipment, some pretty big inflatables, including a 63-foot obstacle course, plus the chief and mayor will be in the dunk tank.”

A SWAT obstacle course competition will be open to the public.

The event is scheduled to end at 8 p.m.